There’s a new idea going around this October.

Children who are autistic, or otherwise nonspeaking, can carry a blue pumpkin Halloween night. This will signal to the treat-giver that the child wants candy, but can’t say the words, “Trick or Treat.”

Similar ideas have popped up in past years, such as bags with the words, “I can’t say Trick or Treat, but I’m trying!”

treat bag

While I understand the sentiment, my family will not be using them. Here’s why:

1. I’m the one in charge of protecting my children.

It’s my job to make sure my children aren’t harassed or emotionally abused on Halloween, and every other day of the year. Their emotional health is my top priority.

I can’t be certain that every person in the neighborhood knows what the blue pumpkin signifies. I can assure you, most people won’t have a clue.

So instead of relying on others to be kind, I will only take my kids to visit places where I know they’ll be welcome. We may attend a “Trunk or Treat” at their school. Everyone knows them there!

We might even knock on a few of our neighbor’s doors – But only the ones who know us personally. There are plenty of safe spaces to choose from that don’t involve trusting a stranger with my children.

Join us for this small group Zoom session!

2. Mean old Mary down the street doesn’t really care about my kid’s issues.

The people who harass children to say “Trick or Treat” aren’t in my Disability Rights group on Facebook. They aren’t calling the school board about inclusive practices.

They probably don’t even know that the blue pumpkin is a “thing,” and they couldn’t care less. Withholding candy for performance is a controlling act, and no “awareness” swag is going to change their ways.

3. Labeling disabled people is wrong.

Call me over-dramatic, I don’t care.

I’m not putting a label on my kids just so strangers will treat them with respect. They don’t need to explain themselves to anyone, just to validate their participation in an activity with everyone else.

I’m teaching my kids that they’re worthy of respect no matter what. They don’t need to wear a label or a sticker. They don’t need to explain their existence. They just need to be themselves… (or a fire fighter, or a wolf, or an alligator)!

Follow Not an Autism Mom on Facebook!

Thank you for visiting.

I don’t use any advertisements on my site. If you’d like to support my writing habit, I’d be very appreciative!

$10.00

Click here to purchase.

Not an Autism Mom
Not an Autism Mom

I am a daughter, sister, wife, friend, and MOM. I write about parenting, autism, prematurity, and whatever else comes through these fingertips. Enjoy!

    14 replies to "3 Reasons My Autistic Children Will NOT Carry a Blue Pumpkin for Halloween"

    • Anonymous

      Some children are shy.If they come to your door just give them candy. Don’t make them ask.

      • Lacey W

        I don’t think anyone ever has. I mean, there are always jerks, but no bag or colored pumpkin is going to stop that. A lot of children are shy and a lot of parents know that. Why call attention to your child’s specific reason?

      • Shawn Catania

        I have raised 3 children and novels from many people too prove life has hard times. EDUCATE THE PUBLIC. Call the press this is a household giving “treats”
        QUESTION…The households should post real blue purple to show their education. Start now it’s a nice feeling for visitors to see they are recognized…. silently… Peace to all.
        Let’s be kind to each other

    • […] Source: 3 Reasons My Autistic Children Will NOT Carry a Blue Pumpkin for Halloween – Not an Autism Mom […]

    • Christen

      Love this!!

    • vincenza63

      Great mum!!! I love you!!!
      Hugs from Italy
      Vicky 😊😊😊

    • Becky

      I am not an autism mom, and I do understand the “labeling” of anyone with a disability. However, I do feel like the blue pumpkin could be a learning situation for all kids and adults, as well. I’m not suggesting anyone be labeled but I know most autistic persons don’t like physical touch and some have social anxieties. Its important to help others understand that they require certain things and if a blue pumpkin shows, then others should be respectful. I too, tried to take my kids only to places we were familiar. But kids love to see the festivities around their community. So I allowed them to enjoy it. If this were my time with my kids, I would surely use the blue pumpkin to educate them to give them space and respect them as any other.

    • D's Daddy

      Wow. Lots of anger in this post. Thanks for sharing though. As a father of a mostly Non vebal Autistic child I am always looking for ways to break more into his world and draw him a little more out of his. He’s perfect as is and I never say he has special needs he just needs me to be special. While it isn’t my job to bring people up to speed with where he is at and all the reasons why he is the way he is I’d rather open doors and extend a hand than close them and never reach out. Maybe I’m wrong and your not as upset as this post seems and I’m sure either way what I think won’t matter much to you. I guess I’m only writing this because I feel so strongly about broadening his world at any and all cost. I don’t look at this as lableing who he is and it definitely doesn’t define who he is. He is my son and he has Autism and I love him and am proud of him in everyway and my talking about it with him and sharing the reasons why I’m carrying the bucket , and probably him too a few blocks in, is an opportunity to educate and extend that hand and that can’t do anything other than possibly bridge a gap. God bless

    • M J

      I think you’re totally wrong. I bet it took you an awful long time to come up with reasons why this is a bad idea.

    • rachelward11

      I completely agree with you. No one needs to know my child’s diagnosis in order for my child to deserve candy just like everyone else. Halloween should include everyone, regardless of age, ability to wear a costume, or disability. I loved your post.

    • cocosstripes

      as someone with autism I applaud you for reason 3 I hate having to explain why I flap my hands or rock back and forth but can write an essay normally. I think people shouldn’t need a reason to treat everyone with respect it should just happen

    • Nicky

      I don’t assume that children who don’t say trick or treat is autistic or nonspeaking. Some children are simply shy and will just stand there. I give any child that approaches candy, whether he/she speaks or just stand there quietly.

      The blue basket may not be a bad idea either. Instead of thinking of it as labeling, id prefer to think of it as raising awareness like colors used to represent other causes. Heck, I may provide my ER with a blue basket to store candy for the upcoming Halloween and employ paramedics to do the same in their different cities.

      I took my 7 year old son trick or treating once and not once was he asked to say trick or treat. He doesn’t eat candy, except for skittles and lollipop, so it was a complete waste of a good basket of candy lol. Plus, since then we have adapted a low sugar diet to reduce his hyperactivity.

    • […] 3 Reasons My Autistic Children Will NOT Carry a Blue Pumpkin for Halloween — Not an Autism Mom Blog […]

    • Anonymous

      If a child comes to my door with a blue pumpkin, their reason, whatever that may happen to be, trump’s every reason listed here to not carry one. However, only for that person.
      In other words, I don’t think there’s any right or wrong here.

Comments are closed.